Merkel: Don't demonize attempts to understand Putin
Angela Merkel said there is nothing wrong with attempting to understand Vladimir Putin. In an interview with the Berliner Zeitung, the former German chancellor criticized the invasion of Ukraine and added that "discussion about Russia's interests must be allowed."
"Understanding what Putin is doing, and empathizing with his situation, is not wrong," said the former German chancellor. Merkel asserted that such an approach is part of diplomacy and does not equate to supporting the Russian president's policies.
The 70-year-old former politician also added that "there is no justification for his invasion of another country." Nevertheless, she believes we should talk about Russian interests, and we should not attack everyone who tries to understand Putin.
Putin seeks recognition
The former chancellor revealed that, in her opinion, the Russian leader cares about recognition, "especially from America." Merkel believes this mindset stems from the Cold War, with the USA serving as the ultimate power and point of reference for Putin.
In Merkel's opinion, it cannot be definitively stated whether Trump will side with Putin. She noted, "However, the fact that the USA, together with Russia, adopted a resolution against Ukraine's territorial integrity just a few days before the meeting in the Oval Office at the UN General Assembly is very surprising and unusual," she emphasized.
She described the situation in the Oval Office as depressing. "I would have preferred not to witness that meeting, especially since it was also watched throughout Russia, including by President Putin," she explained.
Merkel rejected the criticism she faced after the start of the war in Ukraine. She pointed out that Putin attacked Ukraine in February 2022, when the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was not yet operational.
I recommend putting yourself in the situation you found yourself in then. And I also recommend not saying right away, when a different perspective appears today, that you made the wrong decision back then, she admitted.
In Merkel's opinion, "when the hour of diplomacy arrives, it cannot be decided solely by President Zelensky, but by Ukraine together with its supporters."
The Russian media paid attention to the former chancellor's words. "Berliner Zeitung" quotes Russia Today television, which stated that "Merkel sharply criticizes the witch hunt on Putin's sympathizers."
Some German analysts criticized Merkel, reminding her that she focused on economic relations with Moscow, especially in the context of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Merkel "is accused of increasing Germany's dependence on Russian gas," states "Berliner Zeitung." The newspaper notes that Merkel could have taken a firmer stance against Putin after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
